After a streak of poor weather days, the crew from Sturgeon Falls-based Ed Seguin and Sons Trucking and Paving Ltd. finally got to flex their machines' muscles as they began the long-awaited demolition of the former Sands motel.
For safety reasons, one lane of Fisher Street between Worthington East and McIntyre East has been blocked off to motorists, as has the lane closest to the property along the 300 block of McIntyre.
North Bay Police Service cleared the structure for demolition Wednesday morning.
See related: So long, Sands?
See also: Like 'The Sands' through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives
The $150,000 contract includes the demolition work and clean-up at two locations, the former Sands at 366 McIntyre St. East and a dilapidated house at 358 McIntyre St. East. The demolition began with the former motel and then moved to the house.
And: Sands of time slipping away for local landmark turned eyesore
Concerns about the safety of the two deteriorating buildings coupled with the City of North Bay's prolonged negotiation with the owners involving property standard sanctions led to this action being taken. A planned housing development did not come to fruition and the property languished for several years. The property owners will have the demolition costs added to their tax bill, according to the City.
